Juventus manager, Maurizio Sarri has opened up on star player Cristiano Ronaldo's angry reaction to being substituted during their 2-1 win over Lokomotiv Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday, claiming that, "the Portugese had that reaction because he had sustained a minor knee injury".
The 34-year-old was substituted in favour of Paulo Dybala in the 82nd minute of the game, which was the first time since February 2016 that he has failed to complete 90 minutes in the competition.
Ronaldo was not a happy man with Sarri's decision, and was seen exchanging words with the Italian as he made his way to the bench. Sarri though has played down the strikers reaction, revealing that it was due to a minor knee problem.
"Ronaldo was angry because he wasn't very well, he had a knee problem a few days ago and his adductor easily got tired. At the end of the first half he was nervous. I was afraid he would hurt himself and I preferred to take him off," he said post the game, as quoted by Goal.
During the win, the Bianconeri netted their 300th Champions League goal, becoming just the fifth club to achieve that feat in the competition after Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Manchester United.
Juventus, however, booked their last 16 berth in the Champions League after Douglas Costa scored the winner in the injury time.
Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) also booked their Champions League last 16 spots on Wednesday night.
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